France Expels 12 Algerian Diplomats in Retaliation, Escalating Diplomatic Crisis
In April 2025, escalating tensions between France and Algeria led President Macron to expel 12 Algerian diplomats in retaliation for Algeria's earlier expulsion of French officials. This diplomatic crisis stems from the arrest of an Algerian consular officer linked to a kidnapping case, jeopardizing recently thawed relations and highlighting the fragile nature of their ties.
hassan benyoub 
Paris, April 14, 2025 – In a sharp escalation of renewed tensions with Algeria, French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the expulsion of 12 Algerian consular and diplomatic staff from France, mirroring Algeria’s decision to expel 12 French officials on Sunday. The move, announced by the Élysée Palace, includes recalling France’s ambassador to Algiers, Stéphane Romatet, for immediate consultations, deepening a diplomatic crisis that threatens to unravel fragile bilateral ties rekindled just weeks ago.
Tit-for-Tat Expulsions Fuel Tensions
The crisis erupted after Algeria expelled 12 French Interior Ministry officials, granting them 48 hours to leave, in response to France’s arrest of an Algerian consular officer linked to a kidnapping case. France condemned Algeria’s action as “unjustified” and a “disregard for judicial procedures,” with the Élysée asserting that Algeria bears “full responsibility for the serious deterioration” in relations. France’s reciprocal expulsion targets Algerian diplomats and consular staff, signaling a firm stance amid accusations of interference.
Roots of the Dispute
The conflict stems from the April 2024 abduction attempt of Algerian influencer and dissident Amir Boukhors, known as Amir DZ, on French soil. On Friday, French anti-terrorism prosecutors charged three men, including an Algerian consular official, with kidnapping, arbitrary detention, and forming a terrorist criminal association. Algeria, which has repeatedly sought Boukhors’ extradition, labeled the arrests a violation of diplomatic norms, prompting Sunday’s expulsions.
French Leadership Responds
French Minister of State for European Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, who visited Algiers in early April, accused Algeria of choosing “escalation over dialogue” in a post on X. He clarified that the judicial case, initiated months ago, is independent of diplomatic talks resumed in March. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, in a CNews interview, called Algeria’s actions unacceptable, deeming France’s response “entirely appropriate.” Barrot urged Algeria to reconsider, warning that the move threatens the bilateral dialogue both nations recently worked to restore.
A Fragile Diplomatic Thaw Undone
The expulsions come just two weeks after a Macron-Tebboune phone call aimed at easing months of strained relations, sparked by France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara—a stance that led Algeria to recall its ambassador from Paris. Despite efforts to rebuild ties, including Barrot’s Algiers visit, the latest spat risks plunging France-Algeria relations back into crisis, with both sides trading blame for undermining diplomacy.
Broader Implications
This diplomatic standoff highlights the volatility of France-Algeria relations, shaped by historical ties and divergent regional priorities. As both nations navigate this crisis, the international community watches closely, with fears that further escalation could hinder cooperation on issues like migration, security, and trade.
